WO2019197164A1

WO2019197164A1 - Airbag arrangement for a vehicle occupant restraint system

Info

Publication number: WO2019197164A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/057769
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mingxi Yan; Koshan Mahdi; Simon Höfer; Tobias Pausch
Original assignee: Joyson Safety Systems Germany Gmbh
Priority date: 2018-03-27
Filing date: 2019-03-27
Publication date: 2019-10-17
Also published as: DE112019001626A5

Abstract

An airbag arrangement (100; 800; 900; 1000; 1100; 1200) for a vehicle occupant restraint system comprises at least one first airbag (120; 820; 920; 1020; 1120; 1220) and one second airbag (140; 840; 940; 1040; 1140; 1240) which can be inflated in order to protect the vehicle occupant (P). In the inflated state of the airbags, an overlapping portion (122; 1222) of the first airbag (100; 800; 900; 1000; 1100; 1200) overlaps an overlapping portion (142; 1242) of the second airbag (140; 840; 940; 1040; 1140; 240). In addition, in the inflated state of the airbags, the first airbag (100; 800; 900; 1000; 1100; 1200) has a larger volume than the second airbag (140; 840; 940; 10 040; 1140; 1240) and the second airbag (140; 840; 940; 1040; 1140; 1240) at least partially surrounds the first airbag (120; 820; 920; 1020; 1120; 1220).

Description

Airbag arrangement for a vehicle occupant restraint system

The invention relates to an airbag arrangement. It further relates to a vehicle occupant restraint system, a vehicle seat and a vehicle comprising such

Airbag arrangement.

Vehicle seats often allow a user a variety of positioning options, such as with respect to a pitch of a backrest or other seat parts or with respect to a displacement of the vehicle seat in the horizontal and vertical directions. Additionally, in vehicles of various vehicle classes, such as passenger cars, passenger ships, or trains, a variety of positioning capabilities are often provided to a user. A need for further positioning options for a vehicle seat also results from various driving modes, such as autonomous driving.

However, diverse positioning options for a vehicle seat complicate the

Providing effective accident protection devices for vehicle occupants. In particular, an occupant occupying the vehicle seat at some seating positions may no longer be ideal with respect to a vehicle-mounted restraint such as a vehicle

Airbag arrangement (so-called "airbag"), be positioned. In the event of a crash, the airbag arrangement can thereby unfold its retention effect only insufficiently or not.

To solve the problem, a vehicle occupant restraint system is proposed in R0130839 A2, in which a gas bag is attached from each side of the person. When the system is triggered, each of the gas bags, coming from the opposite direction, encloses the person in their thoracic region, half-ring-shaped, laterally and frontally, one of the gas bags surrounding the other. There is thus a relatively large contact area between the gas bags. This in turn is provided with adhesive to consolidate the compound of the gas bags against a possible break through the enclosed person.

A disadvantage of the technique described in R0130839 A2 is that such gas bags are not suitable for the protection of the head area of a vehicle occupant and thus offer only an insufficient retention effect in a frontal impact.

The invention aims to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages.

According to a first aspect, a gas bag assembly for a vehicle occupant restraint system is described. The airbag arrangement comprises at least a first and a second airbag inflatable to protect the vehicle occupant, wherein, in an inflated state of the airbag, an overlap section of the first airbag overlaps an overlap section of the second airbag, the first airbag has a larger volume than the second airbag, and the second airbag at least partially surrounds the first airbag.

In the inflated state of the gas bags, the second airbag may at least partially surround the first airbag in the region of the overlapping sections of the first and second airbag. In addition, the second airbag may at least partially surround the first airbag with respect to a designated position of the vehicle occupant. In the inflated state of the gas bags, the overlapping sections may be located in front of the vehicle occupant and in contact with each other.

In this case, the gas bag arrangement may comprise connecting means by means of which the overlapping sections can be connected to one another in the inflated state of the gas bags, for example a hook-and-loop fastener, a magnetic connector or an adhesive. By a connecting means are meant generally means which hinder the moving away of the overlapping sections. These include, for example, surfaces with an increased coefficient of friction or intermeshable gas bag structures. The volume of the first gas bag may be at least 50% greater than the volume of the second gas bag. In particular, the volume of the first gas bag may be greater than the volume of the second gas bag by at least 100%, more particularly by at least 200%. Additionally or alternatively, the first airbag may extend at least in front of a head region and a thorax region of the vehicle occupant, and the second airbag may extend in front of an area below the head region of the vehicle occupant.

The first airbag and the second airbag may each have a lateral feed section, which is designed to direct gases released by an inflator into a region of the respective airbag extending in front of the vehicle occupant. In this case, the area of the first gas bag extending in front of the vehicle occupant may have a substantially larger, in particular a cross section which is larger by at least 50% than the associated feed section. Furthermore, the region of the second gas bag extending in front of the vehicle occupant may have a cross-section that is not larger, or only slightly larger, in particular, at most 25% larger than the assigned feed section.

For example, the first and / or the second airbag include a (in the inflated state of the airbags) in front of the vehicle occupant extending and adjacent to the respective feed section frontal area. It is conceivable that the frontal area comprises at least one frontal chamber (in particular consisting of such a frontal chamber), which is separated from an adjacent chamber of the feed section by at least one wall, wherein the frontal chamber and the chamber of the feed section are in fluid communication with each other; in particular via a passage opening.

The frontal area and the feed section extend in particular at an angle to one another. It is possible that at least one tether for stabilizing the position of the frontal area and the feed section relative to each other is present. For example, the tether extends between the frontal region and the feed section, being defined in particular with a first end at the frontal region (in particular at a chamber of the frontal region) and at a second end at the feeder section (in particular at a chamber of the feeder section).

According to another embodiment of the invention, the frontal area and the feed section have a curvature (in particular a kink point) of the gas bag, which has a reduced cross-section with respect to the frontal region and the feed section, in fluid communication with each other.

The lateral feed section of the first and / or second gas bag can have at least two chambers, which in particular are in fluid communication with one another. It is conceivable that the chambers are elongated and extend in the vertical direction. At least one of the chambers may be designed such that it at least partially covers the head and thorax regions of the vehicle occupant. It is also possible that the chamber also protects the pelvic area of the vehicle occupant.

The frontal area and the at least two chambers may each be arranged and fastened to one another such that the gas bags, when inflated and viewed in a horizontal cross-sectional plane, each have a curved course or the frontal areas and the feed sections are each oriented at an angle to one another.

According to another embodiment of the invention, at least the first airbag has a frontal area extending in front of the vehicle occupant, in the interior of which at least one tether is arranged such that a recess is formed in a side of the frontal area facing the vehicle occupant. With such a recess, the gas bag can be adapted to the shape of the vehicle occupant.

A portion of the first airbag extending in front of the vehicle occupant may cover an abdomen region of the vehicle occupant. Additionally or alternatively, a region of the first gas bag which extends in front of the head region of the vehicle occupant can each have a side section on both sides of a frontal section in the head region.

According to a further aspect, a vehicle occupant restraint system with an airbag arrangement of the type presented here is described. The vehicle occupant restraint system includes at least one inflator for inflating the first and second airbag. In this case, the vehicle occupant restraint system is designed to inflate the first and the second airbag offset from one another in time. The vehicle occupant restraint system may be configured to inflate the second airbag with respect to the first airbag with a time delay. The vehicle occupant restraint system may include at least two inflators each associated with one of the first and second airbag. In this case, the inflators may be triggered offset from one another in time and / or differ with respect to a gas delivery.

Alternatively, the vehicle occupant restraint system may include an inflator provided to inflate both the first and second airbag. A supply line from the inflator to one of the first and the second airbag may be openable by means of a valve device with a time delay with respect to a triggering of the inflator. Additionally or alternatively, a supply line to one of the first and the second airbag and a supply line to the other of the first and the second airbag may differ with respect to a passage rate.

In another aspect, a vehicle seat is described. The vehicle seat comprises an airbag arrangement of the type presented here and / or a vehicle occupant restraint system of the type presented here. In the folded state, the airbags are at least partially opposite in the seat width direction.

The gas bags may be arranged in the folded state in opposite lateral portions of a backrest of the vehicle seat.

In another aspect, a vehicle is described. The vehicle comprises an airbag arrangement of the type presented here, a vehicle occupant restraint system of the type presented here and / or a vehicle seat of the type presented here.

The gas bags may be opposite each other in the folded state at least partially in the vehicle transverse direction. In particular, the gas bags may be arranged in mutually opposite vehicle structures.

Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the drawings and detailed description. Show it: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an airbag arrangement for a

Vehicle occupant restraint system according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 2A-2D are schematic representations of different stages of a deployment process of the airbag assembly for a vehicle occupant restraint system of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3 - 7 are schematic representations of a vehicle seat with a

Vehicle occupant restraint system according to various

Embodiments;

FIGS. 8-12 show schematic diagrams of airbag arrangements for a

Vehicle occupant restraint system according to further embodiments;

13 shows a schematic illustration of a vehicle with an airbag arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment; and

14 to 18 airbag arrangements according to further embodiments of the invention.

1 shows a schematic illustration of an airbag arrangement 100 for a vehicle occupant restraint system. The airbag assembly 100 includes a first airbag 120 and a second airbag 140 that are inflatable to protect the vehicle occupant, for example in the event of a detected impact. The gas bags 120, 140 are shown in Fig. 1 in the inflated state. In the example shown, there is also a vehicle occupant P on a seat S of the vehicle. The gas bag arrangement 100 is arranged in relation to the occupant P such that the gas bags 120, 140 extend from opposite sides of the occupant P.

The first airbag 120 and the second airbag 140 are each formed so as to extend at least partially along one side and in a frontal area in front of the occupant P. In the inflated state of the airbags also the second airbag 140 surrounds the first airbag 120 at least partially, for example in the frontal area in front of the occupant P. The first airbag 120 and the second airbag 140 overlap in each case an overlap section 122, 142 of the first and the second Gas bags 120, 140.

The first airbag 120 and the second airbag 140 are in contact with each other in the region of the overlap sections 122, 142. The airbag assembly 100 in this case has in at least one of the overlap sections 122, 142 connecting means to the are provided, an adhesive bond between the first airbag 120 and the second airbag 140 in the region of the overlap portions 122, 142 to form. As a connecting means, for example, adhesive is attached to at least one of the overlap sections 122, 142. In other examples, the airbag assembly 100 includes one or more hook-and-loop fasteners for adhesively bonding the lap portions 122, 142.

The airbag assembly 100 causes in the inflated state of the gas bags 120, 140 a U-shaped enclosure of the vehicle occupant P. In this way, the airbag assembly 100 allows effective absorption of impact forces from different directions that can act on the occupant P from the outside. In addition, the airbag assembly 100 allows retention of the occupant P in the event of a collision in multiple directions. The adhesive connection between the overlap portion 122 of the first airbag 120 and the overlap portion 142 of the second airbag 140 ensures that a break through of the occupant P by the U-shaped enclosure, for example, in a fasting of the upper body, is effectively prevented. A size of the overlapping sections 122, 142 is selected for this purpose, for example, according to an adhesive strength of the selected connection means and an expected required retention force.

In the inflated state, the first airbag 120 has a volume that is greater than the volume of the second airbag 140. In some examples, the first airbag 120 is configured such that a cross-section, in particular a vertical extension, of the first airbag 120 originates from a lateral feed section 128 (laterally from the occupant P) is enlarged (preferably by more than half) such that the first airbag 120 extends in a frontal region 129 in front of the occupant P over at least one head and thorax region of the occupant P. In contrast, the second airbag 140 is designed, for example, so that it extends from a lateral feed section 148 (laterally from the occupant P) in the frontal region 149 only over the thorax region and its cross section, in particular its vertical extension, thus not opposite the lateral feed section 148 or only slightly increased (preferably by less than a quarter). The lateral feed sections 128, 148 have a relatively small cross-section, which serves above all the supply of the gases released by an inflator into the sections 129, 149 of the gas bags 120, 140 extending in the frontal region. With a corresponding design, the lateral feed sections 128, 148 can also exert a protective effect in the event of a side impact or an oblique impact.

In some examples, in the event of a frontal impact, the first airbag 120 disposed closer to the occupant P functions primarily to absorb an impact of the occupant, especially in the head and thorax area. In contrast, the second airbag 140 is provided in this case, for example, primarily for securing the enclosure of the occupant P by the airbag assembly 100 and in some examples for supporting the first airbag 120 and / or additional impact absorption.

For a provision of the airbag assembly 100 in a vehicle, the airbags 120, 140 in the folded state, for example, on opposite sides of a backrest of a seat S can be attached. Alternatively, the gas bags 120, 140 in the folded state may be attached to opposite structures of the vehicle, each adjacent to the opposite sides of the seat back.

To form the U-shaped enclosure of the occupant P by means of the gas bag arrangement 100 shown in FIG. 1, it is advantageous to inflate the gas bags 120, 140 with a time offset from one another. In some examples, when the gas bag arrangement 100 is triggered, therefore, first the first gas bag 120 is inflated. Delayed in time, the inflation of the second airbag 140 takes place, for example, from the outside around the inflated first airbag 120, in order to surround it at least in the region of the overlap sections 122, 142, and by connecting means an adhesive connection with the first airbag 120 forms. Such a time-staggered inflation of the gas bags 120, 140 has the advantage that the first airbag 120 in the entire frontal area of the occupant P is quickly a protection, for example, provided from outside forces provided. It is also avoidable that the inflation of the first airbag 120 is hindered by parts of the second airbag 140. In addition, such a correct application of the second airbag 140 is favored to the first airbag 120. At the same time, the smaller volume of the second gas bag 140 compared to the first gas bag 120 allows rapid inflation of the second gas bag 140 to form a secure enclosure of the occupant P.

FIGS. 2A through 2D are schematic representations of various stages in triggering the airbag assembly 100 of FIG. 1 according to some examples. Fig. 2A shows a state before to at the moment of triggering the airbag assembly (not shown). The gas bags of the airbag assembly are in a folded state and are respectively arranged on opposite sides of a backrest of the seat S or on adjacent thereto structures of a vehicle in which the seat S is located. The seat S is, for example, a driver's seat of the vehicle, which is aligned in the direction of travel. FIG. 2B shows a state after the gas bag arrangement has been triggered. FIG. As described in connection with FIG. 1, an inflation of the first gas bag 120 is initially effected. The overlap portion 122 of the first airbag 120 is located on an outwardly facing surface of the airbag 120 in front of the occupant P.

2C shows a further stage of the triggering process of the airbag arrangement 100. In this case, the second airbag 140 is now also inflated with a time delay relative to the first airbag 120. The overlapping section 142 arranged on an inner surface of the second gas bag 140 has also abutted on the outwardly facing overlap section 122 of the first gas bag 120 and forms with it an adhesive connection by one or more connecting means. The position of the airbag arrangement 100 and the occupant P shown in FIG. 2C corresponds to that of FIG. 1.

Fig. 2D shows a subsequent stage. In this case, a head and thorax area of the occupant P is moved in the direction of the gas bag arrangement 100, as may result, for example, as a result of the forward displacement of the occupant P in a frontal impact, the previous detection of which triggered the airbag arrangement 100. The airbag assembly 100 in this case catches the ricocheting body of the occupant P. For energy absorption, in some examples, the first and / or the second airbag 120, 140 has an outflow opening for the throttled outflow of gas from the respective airbag 120, 140. In further examples, the first and / or the second airbag 120, 140 for energy absorption via deformation elements, for example, attached to the seat S or a structure of the vehicle.

3 shows a schematic representation of a rear view of a vehicle seat 300 with a vehicle occupant restraint system 310. The vehicle occupant restraint system 310 includes a first airbag 120 and a second airbag 140 mounted on opposite sides of a seatback 302 of the vehicle seat 300. The gas bags 120, 140 are parts of an airbag arrangement as described in connection with FIG. 1. The vehicle occupant restraint system 310 also includes a plurality of inflators 312, 314, each of which is provided for inflating each of the gas bags 120, 140.

The vehicle occupant restraint system 310 is designed to inflate the gas bags 120, 140 in a staggered manner in the event of triggering. In some examples, the vehicle occupant restraint system 310 is configured to include the inflator 314 for inflating the second airbag 140 relative to the inflator 312 Inflation of the first airbag 120 to trigger delayed. In other examples, the inflators 312, 314 are different in gas delivery performance. In this case, for example, a simultaneous triggering of the inflators 312, 314. A gas supply capacity of the inflator 312 is higher than a gas supply capacity of the inflator 314, so that despite the larger volume of the first airbag 120 earlier inflation of the first airbag 120 is ensured. In other examples, a timed triggering of the inflators 312, 314 is implemented in combination with different gas delivery services. A time offset and the respective gas delivery services are selected such that a desired sequence of inflation of the first and second airbag 120, 140 in conjunction with a desired total duration of the inflation process is achieved.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show further examples of vehicle seats 400, 400 'having vehicle occupant restraint systems 410, 410', each including an airbag assembly of the type presented herein. The in Figs. 4A and 4B include an inflator 412 for inflating both the first airbag 120 and the second airbag 140, as compared to the example of FIG. 3. A delayed inflation of the second airbag 140 is enabled by a valve 416, 418 in both cases.

FIG. 4A shows a vehicle seat 400 with a vehicle occupant restraint system 410 with a first and a second airbag 120, 140. For the airbags 120, 140, this applies in conjunction with FIGS. 1 to 2D said accordingly. The vehicle occupant restraint system 410 comprises an inflator 412 which is designed to supply gas to the first airbag 120 as well as to the second airbag 140 via a respective feed line 414, 415.

In the supply line 415 to the second airbag 140, a valve 416 is arranged. Valve 416 allows supply line 415 to be delayed from lead 414 to first airbag 120. In this manner, vehicle occupant restraint system 410 allows for time delayed inflation of second airbag 140 relative to first airbag 120. Valve 416 is pyrotechnic, for example and / or openable by means of a micro gas generator. In some examples, the valve 416 is also triggered via a common control signal with the inflator 412. In other examples, a separate control signal is used to open the valve 416.

Fig. 4B shows a similar technique to Fig. 4A. In the vehicle occupant restraint system 410 ', the supply line 415 to the second airbag 140 is by means of an electromagnetic valve openable closed. The vehicle occupant restraint system 410 'further includes an over-load valve 420 in the region of the supply line 415.

5 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle seat 500 with a vehicle occupant restraint system 510 according to another example. The same reference numerals as in the preceding figures denote the same and / or similar features. As in the examples of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the vehicle occupant restraint system 510 comprises an inflator 412 for inflating both the first airbag 120 and the second airbag 140. Notwithstanding the preceding examples, a delayed inflation of the second airbag 140 by a relative to the feed line 414 to the first airbag 120 different supply line 515 achieved with a lower passage rate.

FIG. 5 shows a thinner embodiment of the feed line 515 relative to the feed line 414, in each case over a total length of the feed lines 414, 515. In further examples, however, the feed line 515 has a reduced cross section in relation to the feed line 414 in only one section.

6 shows a schematic illustration of a vehicle seat 600 with a vehicle occupant restraint system 610 according to another example. The same reference numerals as in the preceding figures again designate the same or similar features. The vehicle occupant restraint system 610 comprises a rigid feed line 615 to the second gas bag 140. The feed line 615 has, for example, in its rigid section a same cross section as the feed line 414 to the first gas bag 120. Within the second gas bag 140 is an extension of the feed line 615 Furthermore, a flexible hose 617 is arranged.

The flexible configuration of the tube 617 allows the placement of the tube 617 within the airbag 140 even in the folded state of the airbag 140. A suitably selected path of the flexible tube 617 within the second airbag 140 allows a passage rate at least initially, for example, to a substantial extent Unfolding of the second airbag 140, to throttle when in this period, for example, parts of the hose 617 are still partially folded with corresponding areas of the second airbag 140. In the right part of FIG. 6, a side view for an example of the course of the tube 617 within the second gas bag 140 is shown in this regard. In this way, once again a time-delayed inflation of the second airbag 140 relative to the first airbag 120 is achievable. FIG. 7 shows a schematic illustration of a vehicle seat 700 with a vehicle occupant restraint system 710 according to another example. The vehicle occupant restraint system 710 may be construed as a modification of the technique shown in FIG. An inflator 712 for inflating both the first airbag 120 and the second airbag 140 is directly connected to the first airbag 120 here. In contrast, a connection to the second gas bag 140 is made by the first gas bag 120. A flexible hose 717 is also arranged in the first gas bag 120, in the extension of which the supply line 715 leads to the second gas bag 140.

Similar to the example of FIG. 6, the technique shown in FIG. 7 permits unimpeded inflation of the first airbag 120. In contrast, the second airbag 140 is inflated depending on the pressure already present in the first airbag 120 and on deployment of the flexible airbag Hose 717. In the right part of Fig. 7 in this regard, a side view of an example of a possible arrangement of the flexible hose 717 is shown in the first airbag 120. As a result, a delay relative to the first airbag 120 inflated the second airbag 140 is effected.

FIGS. 8 to 12 show schematic representations of different examples of airbag arrangements of the type presented here. For the in connection with FIGS. The examples described in connection with the gas bag arrangement 100 from FIG. 1 apply correspondingly to those described in FIGS. 8 to 12, unless otherwise stated in the following. In addition, instead of the gas bag arrangement 100 from FIG. 1, any of those described in connection with FIGS. 8 to 12 described gas bag assemblies in conjunction with any of the in Figs. 3 to 7 usable vehicle occupant restraint systems.

FIGS. 8A to 8C show a side view, a front view and a cross-sectional view of an airbag arrangement 800. FIG. 8C shows the airbag arrangement 800 in a cross-sectional view along the sectional plane S shown in FIG. 8B. The airbag arrangement 800 comprises a first airbag 820 and a second airbag 840. The gas bags 820, 840 each have an overlap portion 822, 842 which are in adhesive contact with each other. In addition, the first and the second airbag 820, 840 likewise each have a side section 828, 848, wherein in the case of the first airbag 820 the cross section, in particular the vertical extent, of a region 829 of the first airbag 820 in front of the occupant P is substantially greater, For example, by more than 50% greater than a cross-section or a vertical extent of the associated side portion 828, whereas a cross-section, in particular a vertical extent, of a portion 849 of second gas bag 840 in front of the occupant P is not or only slightly larger, for example, at most 25% larger than a cross-section or a vertical extent of the associated side portion 848th

Notwithstanding the example of FIG. 1, in the airbag assembly 800, the second airbag 840 is divided into a plurality of approximately horizontally extending chambers. In some examples, an overflow of gas between the chambers is possible. As a result, for example, an improved control over the inflation process of the second airbag 840 is made possible. In addition, such a compartmentalized gas bag 840 in the inflated state has an increased inherent rigidity.

FIGS. 9A to 9C show a side view, a front view and a cross-sectional view of an airbag assembly 900 according to another example. The airbag arrangement 900 comprises a first airbag 920 and a second airbag 940. For the second airbag 940, what has been said in connection with the second airbag 840 from FIG. 8 applies correspondingly. In contrast to the example of FIG. 8, by contrast, the first airbag 920 is designed such that it also extends on both sides of a head of the occupant P. For this purpose, the first gas bag 920 also has a respective side section 926 on both sides of a frontal section 924 in the head region. The airbag assembly 900 thus allows increased protection for the occupant, such as in a side impact and also in a frontal impact in autonomous driving, if the driver has twisted his seat relative to the direction of travel.

FIGS. 10A to 10C show a side view, a front view and a cross-sectional view of a gas bag assembly 1000 according to another example. The airbag arrangement 1000 comprises a first airbag 1020 and a second airbag 1040. The second airbag 1040 has a finer subdivision into a plurality of chambers than the first airbag 840 and 940 of the preceding examples. This allows, for example, an improved control over the inflation process of the second gas bag 1040. In addition, the first gas bag 1020 has a greater depth in the thorax section 1026 than the first gas bag 920 from FIG. 9. This gives improved support to a head portion 1024 of the first airbag 1020, particularly when the occupant P's head is immersed in the head portion 1024 of the first airbag 1020.

FIGS. 1 1 A to 1 1 C show a side view, a front view and a cross-sectional view of an airbag assembly 1 100 according to another example. The airbag arrangement 1 100 comprises a first airbag 1 120 and a second airbag 1 140. Notwithstanding the In the preceding examples, the first airbag 1 120 of the airbag arrangement 1 100 also extends in front of an abdomen region of the occupant P. The first airbag 1 120 has, adjacent to the head and thorax region 1 124, a partition separated by an intermediate wall and an overflow opening with the remaining sections 1 124 of the first airbag 1 120 communicating abdomen section 1 126.

The illustrated embodiment of the first airbag 1 120 initially causes inflation of the first airbag 1 120 in the side, thorax and head area, whereby a protection is provided here quickly. Subsequent inflation of the abdomen portion 1 126 secures the airbag assembly 1 100 against slipping, such as by immersing the head of the occupant P in the head and thorax portion 1 124. In some examples, immersion of the head into the head and thorax portion 1 124 in cooperation with the second airbag 1 140 and the abdomen portion 1 126 a constriction of the first airbag 1 120 in the thorax region, whereby the airbag assembly 1 100 is effectively held in position.

FIGS. 12A to 12C show a side view, a front view and a cross-sectional view of an airbag assembly 1200 according to another example. The gas bag arrangement 1200 comprises a first gas bag 1220 and a second gas bag 1240. The second gas bag 1240 is subdivided into a middle chamber 1244, to each of which a lateral chamber 1246 adjoins on both sides. Each of the side chambers 1246 is connected to the middle chamber 1244 via one or more overflow openings. The inflation of the second gas bag 1240 takes place via the middle chamber 1244, which thus first applies its overlap part section 1245 to the overlap section 1222 of the first gas bag 1220 and thus causes a rapid enclosure of the vehicle occupant P. Subsequently, the lateral chambers 1246 are inflated and, as a result, also abut against the overlap section 1222 of the first gas bag 1220 with respective overlap sections 1247, thus forming a larger connection surface, thereby further strengthening the adhesive bond between the first and second gas bags 1220, 1240 becomes.

13 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle 1300 having an airbag assembly 1310 for a vehicle occupant restraint system as described herein. The airbag assembly 1310 is, for example, an airbag assembly according to any of the foregoing described examples. The gas bags are in the folded state, for example, arranged in such a way in the vehicle 1 100 that they are at least partially opposite in the vehicle transverse direction. For example, the gas bags in opposing vehicle structures arranged. In other examples of the vehicle 1300, the airbag assembly 1310 is formed as part of a vehicle occupant restraint system according to any of the foregoing described examples disposed in the vehicle 1300.

FIG. 14 shows a gas bag arrangement 100 arranged on a vehicle seat S of a vehicle F according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. The first and the second airbag 120, 140 each have a frontal region 129, 149 extending in front of the vehicle occupant P, wherein the frontal region 129, 149 is in each case formed by a frontal chamber 1290, 1490. The front chambers 1290, 1490 respectively adjoin a feed section 128, 148 of the first and second gas bag 120, 140.

The feed sections 128, 148 each have a plurality of chambers 1280, 1480 which are each elongated, in particular tubular, in the vertical direction, d. H. along the vehicle height direction, extend. In Figure 14, the chambers 1280, 1480 are each shown in a cross section parallel to a horizontal plane. The chambers 1280, 1480 are each in fluid communication with each other (for example via passage openings, not shown).

The respective front of the chambers 1280, 1480 is disposed adjacent to the front chamber 1290, 1490 of the respective airbag 120, 140; for example, it adjoins the frontal chamber 1290, 1490. However, the front chambers 1290, 1490 are formed separately and are separated from the front of the chambers 1280, 1480 each by a wall. However, there is also a flow connection between the front chambers 1290, 1490 and the respective front chamber; for example, via a passage opening in the wall or adjacent to the wall passage area.

The chambers 1280, 1480 of the feed sections 128, 148 and the front chambers 1290, 1490 are arranged and interconnected so that the gas bags 120, 140 - viewed in a horizontal plane - at least in the region of the front chambers 1290, 1490 and the feed sections 128, 148 have a curved course or the frontal areas 129, 149 and the feed sections 128, 148 are oriented at an angle to each other.

FIG. 15 relates to a further embodiment of the airbag arrangement 100. Thereafter, the frontal region 129, 149 and the feed section 128, 148 each have a Curvature 1001, 1002 of the gas bag 120, 140 in fluid communication with each other so that the frontal region 129, 149 and the feed section 128, 148 each extend at an angle to each other.

In particular, the curve 1001, 1002 has a reduced cross-section with respect to the frontal region 129, 149 and the feed section 128, 148 (i.e., a narrowed kink). However, the frontal region 129, 149 and the feed section 128, 148 are not separated from each other by a wall, unlike in FIG. 14, and in addition means, e.g. in the form of arranged inside tethers may be provided to produce the narrowed kink. It is also possible that the frontal area 129, 149 and the feed section 128, 148 are formed by a common chamber. However, it is also conceivable that the frontal region 129, 149 and the feed section 128, 148 are each formed by a single chamber, which are connected to each other via the curvature. However, this is not mandatory. For example, the feed section 128, 148 of at least one of the gas bags 120, 140 could definitely comprise a plurality of chambers in the manner of FIG.

To stabilize the position of each of the frontal region 129, 149 and the feed section 128, 148 relative to each other, tethers 51, 52 may be present, each connecting the frontal region 129, 149 to the feed section 128, 148.

Such tethers 51, 52 can also be used in the embodiment of Figure 14, as shown in Figure 16. In addition, further tethers 53, 54 may be provided, each including the feed section 128, 148 with a component of the vehicle; For example, the vehicle seat S (such as a backrest) connect.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one tether 61, 62 may also extend inside the front chamber 1290 of the first airbag 120 in order to form a recess in a side 1291 of the frontal chamber 1290 facing the vehicle occupant P.

To produce 1292. With the help of the indentation 1292, an adaptation of the contour of the gas bag 120 to the shape of the vehicle occupant P can take place. The tethers 61, 62 each extend in particular from a side facing away from the vehicle occupant P.

1293 up to the vehicle occupant P facing side 1291 of the front chamber 1290, each one end of the tethers 61, 62 is fixed to these sides of the front chamber 1290. It is also conceivable that, analogously, the front chamber 1490 of the second gas bag 140 also has at least one catching strap of this type.

According to FIG. 18, at least one of the chambers 1480a-e of the lateral feed section 148 of the gas bag 140 may be designed such that it covers the pelvic, thorax and head region of the vehicle occupant P at least partially when inflated (see the chambers 1480b, 1480c ). Analogously or alternatively, the lateral feed section 128 of the airbag 120 may be formed. With such a configuration of the feed section 128, 148, additional protection can be provided in the event of a side impact, in particular in the case of a nearside or Farside impact (impact on the side of the vehicle facing or facing away from the vehicle occupant). It is also possible that in addition to the chamber, which extends from the pelvic area to the head of the vehicle occupant P, at least one chamber is present, which essentially serves only to protect the pelvic area.

Claims

claims

An airbag assembly (100; 800; 900; 1000; 1100; 1200) for a vehicle occupant restraint system having at least one first (120; 820; 920; 1020; 1120; 1220) and a second (140; 840; 940; 1040 1140, 1240) for protecting the vehicle occupant (P) inflatable airbag, wherein in the inflated state of the airbag:

an overlapping portion (122; 1222) of the first airbag (100; 800; 900; 1000; 1100; 1200) overlaps an overlap portion (142; 1242) of the second airbag (140; 840; 940; 1040; 1140; 1240);

the first airbag (100; 800; 900; 1000; 1100; 1200) has a larger volume than the second airbag (140; 840; 940; 1040; 1140; 1240), and

the second gas bag (140; 840; 940; 1040; 1 140; 1240) at least partially surrounds the first gas bag (120; 820; 920; 1020; 1120; 1220).

2. Airbag arrangement (100; 800; 900; 1000; 1 100; 1200) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the inflated state, the airbags (120, 140; 820, 840; 920, 940; 1020, 1040; 1120, 1 140, 1220, 1240):

the second airbag (140; 840; 940; 1040; 1 140; 1240) comprises the first airbag (120; 820; 920; 1020; 1120; 1220) in the region of the overlapping sections (122, 142; 1222, 1242) of the first and the second airbag at least partially surrounds second gas bag and with respect to a designated position of the vehicle occupant (P), and / or

the overlapping portions (122, 142; 1222, 1242) are in front of the vehicle occupant (P) with respect to a designated position of the vehicle occupant (P), and / or the overlapping portions (122, 142; 1222, 1242) are in contact with each other.

3. Airbag arrangement (100; 800; 900; 1000; 1100; 1200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by connecting means by means of which the overlapping sections (122, 142; 1222, 1242) in the inflated state of the gas bags (120, 140; , 840, 920, 940, 1020, 1040, 1120, 1, 140, 1220, 1240) can be connected to one another.

4. Airbag arrangement (100; 800; 900; 1000; 1 100; 1200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the inflated state of the gas bags, the first airbag (120; 820; 920; 1020; 1120; 1220) at least in front of a head area and a thorax area of the vehicle occupant (P), and the second airbag (140; 840; 940; 1040; 1 140; 1240) extends in front of an area below the head area of the vehicle occupant (P).

5. Airbag arrangement (100; 800; 900; 1000; 1 100; 1200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first airbag (120; 820; 920; 1020; 1 120; 1220) and the second airbag (140 840; 940; 1040; 1 140; 1240) each have a lateral feed section (128, 148; 828; 848) adapted to transfer gases released from an inflator into a region (129) extending in front of the vehicle occupant (P) , 149, 829, 849) of the respective gas bag (120, 140, 820, 840, 920, 940, 1020, 1040, 1 120, 1 140, 1220, 1240).

6. Airbag arrangement (100; 800; 900; 1000; 1 100; 1200) according to claim 5, characterized in that the area (129; 829) of the first airbag (120; 820; 920; 1020; 1 120; 1220) has a cross section at least 50% greater than the associated feed section (128; 828), and the region (149; 849) of the second airbag (140; 840; 940) extending in front of the vehicle occupant (P); 1040, 1 140, 1240) has a cross-section which is at most 25% larger than the associated feed section (148, 848).

7. Airbag arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or the second airbag (120; 140) extending in front of the vehicle occupant (P) and to the respective feed section (128, 148) adjacent frontal area (129, 149).

8. Airbag arrangement (100) according to claims 5 or 6 and 7, characterized in that the frontal area (129, 149) at least one frontal chamber (1290, 1490) which from an adjacent chamber (1280, 1480) of the feed section (128 , 148) is separated by at least one wall, but the front chamber (1290, 1490) and the chamber (1280, 1480) of the feed section (128, 148) are in fluid communication with each other.

9. Airbag arrangement (100) according to one of claims 5 to 8 as far as dependent on claim 7, characterized in that the frontal region (129, 149) and the feed section (128, 148; 828; 848) extend at an angle to each other.

10 airbag arrangement (100) one of claims 5 to 8 as far back referenced to claim 7, characterized by at least one tether (51-54) for stabilizing the position of the frontal region (129, 149) and the feed section (128, 148) relative to each other.

11. Airbag arrangement (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that the tether (51-54) extends between the frontal region (129, 149) and the feed section (128, 148).

12. Airbag arrangement (100) according to one of claims 9 to 1 1, characterized in that the frontal region (129, 149) and the feed section (128, 148; 828; 848) over a curvature of the gas bag (120, 140) a reduced cross-section with respect to the frontal region (129, 149) and the feed section (128, 148), are in fluid communication with each other.

13. Airbag arrangement (100) according to one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that the lateral feed section (128, 148) of the first and / or second airbag (120, 140) at least two chambers (1280, 1480, 1480a-e) having.

14. Airbag arrangement (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that the chambers (1280, 1480, 1480a-e) are elongated and extend in the vertical direction.

15. Airbag arrangement (100) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that at least one of the chambers (1280, 1480, 1480a-e) is formed so that it covers at least partially the head and the thorax area of the vehicle occupant.

16 airbag arrangement (100) according to one of claims 13 to 15 as far back referring to claim 9, characterized in that the frontal region (129, 149) and the at least two chambers (1280, 1480, 1480a-e) in each case arranged to each other and to each other are fixed, that the gas bags (120, 140), viewed in the inflated state and in a horizontal cross-sectional plane, each having a curved course or the frontal areas (129, 149) and the feed sections (128, 148) are each oriented at an angle to each other ,

17 airbag arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims as far back to claim 7, characterized in that the first airbag (120) in front of the vehicle occupant (P) extending frontal region (129), in whose interior at least one tether (61 , 62) is arranged such that in a side facing the vehicle occupant (1291) of the frontal region (129), a recess (1292) is formed.

18. Airbag arrangement (1 100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a front of the vehicle occupant (P) extending portion (1 126) of the first airbag (1 120) covering an abdomen region of the vehicle occupant (P).

19. Airbag arrangement (900) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a region of the first airbag (920) extending in front of the head region of the vehicle occupant (P) has in each case a side section (926) in the head region on both sides of a frontal section (924). having.

A vehicle occupant restraint system (310; 410; 410 '; 510; 610; 710) comprising an airbag assembly (100; 800; 900; 1000; 1100; 1200) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized by at least one inflator (312,314) 412; 712) for inflating the first (120; 820; 920; 1020; 1 120; 1220) and second (140; 840; 940; 1040; 1 140; 1240) airbag, wherein the vehicle occupant restraint system (310; 410; 410 '; 510; 610; 710) is adapted to the first (120; 820; 920; 1020; 1120; 1220) and the second (140; 840; 940; 1040; 1140; 1240) gas bag offset in time from each other inflate.

21. A vehicle occupant restraint system (310; 410; 410 '; 510; 610; 710) according to claim 20, characterized in that the vehicle occupant restraint system is adapted to the second airbag (140; 840; 940; 1040; 1140; 1240 ) with respect to the first airbag (120; 820; 920; 1020; 1120; 1220) with a time delay.

The vehicle occupant restraint system (310) of claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the vehicle occupant restraint system includes at least two inflators (312, 314) associated with each of the first and second airbag (310, 320), respectively the inflators (312, 314) are staggered in time to each other and / or differ with respect to a gas supply performance.

The vehicle occupant restraint system (410; 410 ';510;610; 710) of claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the vehicle occupant restraint system includes an inflator (412; 712) adapted to inflate both the first and second inflators Gas bag (120, 140) is provided, wherein a supply line (415) from the inflator (412) to one of the first and the second airbag (140) by means of a valve device (416; 418) can be opened with a time delay with respect to triggering of the inflator (412), and / or wherein a supply line (515; 615, 617; 715, 717) leads to one of the first and the second airbag (140). and a lead (414) to the other of the first and second gas bags (120) differ in a passage rate.

A vehicle seat (300; 400; 400 '; 500; 600; 700) comprising an airbag assembly according to any of claims 1 to 19 or a vehicle occupant restraint system (310; 410; 410'; 510; 610; 710) according to any one of the claims 20 to 23, characterized in that the gas bags (120, 140; 820, 840; 920, 940; 1020, 1040; 1 120, 1140; 1220, 1240) in the folded state are at least partially opposite in the seat width direction, wherein, optionally, the gas bags (120, 140; 820, 840; 920, 940; 1020, 1040; 1 120, 1 140; 1220, 1240) in the folded state are arranged in mutually opposite lateral sections of a backrest (302) of the vehicle seat.

A vehicle (1300) comprising an airbag assembly (1310) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, a vehicle occupant restraint system (310; 410; 410 '; 510; 610; 710) according to any of claims 20 to 23 and / or a vehicle seat (300; 400; 400 '; 500; 600; 700) according to claim 24.

26. Vehicle (1300) according to claim 25, characterized in that the gas bags (120, 140; 820, 840; 920, 940; 1020, 1040; 1120, 1 140; 1220, 1240) in the folded state at least partially in the vehicle transverse direction are opposite.

27. A vehicle (1300) according to claim 25 or 26 comprising an airbag assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 19 and / or a vehicle occupant restraint system (310; 410; 410 '; 510; 610; 710) according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that the gas bags (120, 140, 820, 840, 920, 940, 1020, 1040, 1120, 1140, 1220, 1240) are disposed in opposed structures adjacent to the lateral portions of a seat back (302) Vehicle (1300) are arranged.